Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) announced that on 21 May, a new airline – Arkia Israeli Airlines – started operations at Vilnius Airport. One of Israel’s largest airlines, which will operate regular flights in Lithuania for the first time, will further improve air connectivity between Vilnius and Tel Aviv.
The airline plans to operate flights from Vilnius to Tel Aviv during the aviation summer season – until October 4. Direct regular flights will take place three times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Direct flights between Vilnius and Tel Aviv will take almost four hours.“We are consistently strengthening Lithuania’s connectivity and openness to the world. Every new carrier and new direct flight is a clear signal that we are visible, reliable and attractive to international partners.
We are pleased to welcome the first flight of one of Israel’s largest airlines – Arkia. This further broadens opportunities to travel, cooperate, and strengthen ties,” says Minister of Transport and Communications, Juras Taminskas.
“The opening of the Tel Aviv-Vilnius route reflects our commitment to developing new destinations serving several market segments. This air connection will benefit Israeli travellers and provide Lithuanian residents with a direct flight to Israel, strengthening tourism, business and people-to-people relations between the two countries,” says Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia Israeli Airlines.
“We congratulate the second airline from Israel at Vilnius Airport. We are glad that Arkia has chosen to establish flights to Vilnius for its development. With the rapid growth of the number of tourists from Israel in Lithuania, a new carrier and additional direct flights will create even more favourable conditions not only to discover Lithuania, but also to reach Tel Aviv. Last year, more than 70 thousand passengers flew between Lithuania and Israel – almost three times more than in 2024, so we are pleased with Arkia’s decision to enter our growing and promising market,” says Simonas Bartkus, CEO of Lithuanian Airports.
Catalyst for inbound tourism
The arrival of a new carrier reflects the growing interest of tourists from Israel in Lithuania. The main tourism partner of the airline Arkia on this route is the Israeli tour operator Overseas. In the past, the tour operator’s customers used to reach Lithuania on charter flights.
“As the first Israeli tour operator to recognize the immense potential of Lithuania for the Israeli travelers, we are thrilled to kick off our third consecutive season of operations this time with Arkia Airlines who are launching their direct route from Tel Aviv to Vilnius. This year we are launching three weekly flights and will reach a peak of five weekly flights during the high season, bringing us almost to a daily service. This incredible growth reflects the strong demand and the deep connection Israeli travelers have formed with Lithuania, a destination we are proud to have pioneered in our market,” says Pini Krainer, Co-CEO or Overseas.
“Reaching our third year of successful operations in Lithuania is a milestone that would not have been possible without our exceptional partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Lithuanian Tourism Board, the airport authorities and our dedicated local suppliers. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in positioning Lithuania as a major and highly valued destination for the Israeli market. We look forward to another phenomenal season running through early October, as we continue to strengthen the tourism bridge between our countries,” says Vered Schwartz, Co-CEO of Overseas.
The company’s first flight to Vilnius
The first Arkia aircraft was greeted at Vilnius Airport by a traditional water arch formed by the Fire Rescue Division of Vilnius Airport, and the first passengers were greeted at the official opening ceremony at the boarding gate by representatives of the airline, the airport, the Israeli and Lithuanian embassies.
Arkia Israeli Airlines is one of Israel’s largest airlines, which started operating in 1949. The company, which has a base at Tel Aviv Airport, offers both domestic flights in Israel and international routes to various countries – not only in Europe and the Mediterranean, but also to the USA and Asia. The flight to Vilnius will be the first route of Arkia to Lithuania.
Flight tickets and flight schedule can be found on the airline’s official website www.arkia.co.il
Source: vilnius-airport.lt
